Soft hydrophobic acrylic materials

ABSTRACT

Soft hydrophobic acrylic materials with improved resistance to fluid diffusion and suitable mechanical properties that allow deformation upon application of force are disclosed. The acrylic materials are particularly suitable for use in fluid-based accommodating intraocular lenses and comprises combination of a perfluoro-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylate and an alkyl (meth)acrylate, and a cross-linking agent.

This application claims the benefits under 35 USC § 119 (e) of U.S.provisional application No. 61/911,549 filed Dec. 4, 2013, incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

This invention relates generally to soft hydrophobic acrylic materialshaving improved resistance to fluid diffusion and suitable mechanicalproperties that allow deformation upon application of force, which aredesirable as biocompatible materials for fluid-based accommodatingintraocular lenses (IOLs).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human eye in its simplest terms functions to provide vision bytransmitting light through a clear outer portion called the cornea, andfocusing the image by way of a crystalline lens onto a retina. Thequality of the focused image depends on many factors including the sizeand shape of the eye, and the transparency of the cornea and the lens.

In the natural lens, bifocality of distance and near vision is providedby a mechanism known as accommodation. The natural lens is containedwithin the capsular bag and is soft early in life. The bag is suspendedfrom the ciliary muscle by the zonules. Relaxation of the ciliary muscletightens the zonules, and stretches the capsular bag. As a result, thenatural lens tends to flatten. Tightening of the ciliary muscle relaxesthe tension on the zonules, allowing the capsular bag and the naturallens to assume a more rounded shape. In this way, the natural lens canfocus alternatively on near and far objects.

As the lens ages, it becomes harder and is less able to change its shapein reaction to the tightening of the ciliary muscle. This makes itharder for the lens to focus on near objects, a medical condition knownas presbyopia. Presbyopia affects nearly all adults over the age of 45or 50.

When age or disease causes the crystalline lens to become lesstransparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light whichcan be transmitted to the retina. This deficiency in the lens of the eyeis medically known as a cataract. An accepted treatment for thiscondition is surgical removal of the lens and replacement of the lensfunction by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

In the United States, the majority of cataractous lenses are removed bya surgical technique called phacoemulsification. During this procedure,an opening is made in the anterior capsule and a thinphacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens andultrasonically vibrated. The vibrating cutting tip liquifies oremulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated out of the eye.The diseased lens, once removed, is replaced by an artificial lens.Implantation of conventional IOLs may restore vision in cataractpatients, but cannot alleviate presbyopia.

Extensive research efforts have been contributed to developaccommodating IOLs which could have the capability to either change itsoptical power as the natural crystalline lens in response to contractionof the cilliary muscle. One of the active research areas foraccommodating IOLs is fluid-based accommodating IOLs that can undergocurvature change upon contraction/relaxation of cilliary muscle (e.g.,U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,787,903, 4,816,031, 4,932,966, 5,066,301, 5,443,506,6,117,171, 6,730,123, 7,122,053, 7,217,288, 7,247,168, 7,261,737,7,438,723, 7,485,144, 7,753,953, 7,776,088, 8,038,711, 8,048,155,8,158,712, 8,197,541, 8,361,145, 8,398,709, 8,454,688, 8,475,529, andU.S. patent application publication No. 2013/02668070 A1, hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties). U.S. Pat. No. 8,158,712described biocompatible polymers which comprise trifluoroethylmethacrylate (or its alternative), butyl acrylate (or its alternative),and phenyl ethylacrylate (or its alternative), and have a modulus ofelasticity between about 0.1 MPa and about 0.6 MPa and a refractiveindex between about 1.44 and about 1.52, and is substantially resistantto the diffusion of fluid, such as silicone oil, water or saline.According to U.S. Pat. No. 8,158,712, those biocompatible polymers maybe useful for making accommodating IOLs, which comprise a deformableoptics front surfaces and soft deformable haptics that rely on fluiddriving changes in the shape of the deformable optics's front surface.

SUMMARY

Soft hydrophobic acrylic materials which are particularly suited for useas fluid-based accommodating IOLs, but which are also useful as otherophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses,keratoprostheses, corneal rings or inlays, otological ventilation tubesand nasal implants, have been discovered. These polymeric materialscomprise a selected combination of a perfluoro acrylic monomer and ahydrocarbon acrylic monomer.

Among other factors, the present invention is based on the finding thatproper combination of perfluoro acrylic monomers and hydrocarbon acrylicmonomers results in soft hydrophobic materials that showed desirablemechanical properties, (e.g., a storage modulus of from about 1 MPa toabout 3 MPa) and very low silicone uptake after accelerated aging inhigh refractive index silicone oil. The subject materials areparticularly suitable for making fluid-based accommodating IOLs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclatureused herein and the laboratory procedures are well known and commonlyemployed in the art. Conventional methods are used for these procedures,such as those provided in the art and various general references. Wherea term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate theplural of that term. The nomenclature used herein and the laboratoryprocedures described below are those well known and commonly employed inthe art.

“About” as used herein means that a number referred to as “about”comprises the recited number plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Unless indicated otherwise, all component amounts are presented on a %(w/w) basis (“wt. %”).

The term “alkyl” refers to a monovalent radical obtained by removing ahydrogen atom from a linear or branched alkane compound. An alkyl group(radical) forms one bond with one other group in an organic compound.

The term “perfluoro-substituted alkyl” refers to an alkyl radicalcomprising at least three fluorine atoms each of which replaces onehydrogen atom of the alkyl.

The term “alkylene divalent group” or “alkylene diradical” or “alkyldiradical” interchangeably refers to a divalent radical obtained byremoving one hydrogen atom from an alkyl. An alkylene divalent groupforms two bonds with other groups in an organic compound.

The term “alkoxy” or “alkoxyl” refers to a monovalent radical obtainedby removing the hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl group of a linear orbranched alkyl alcohol. An alkoxy group (radical) forms one bond withone other group in an organic compound.

In this application, the term “substituted” in reference to an alkyldiradical or an alkyl radical means that the alkyl diradical or thealkyl radical comprises at least one substituent which replaces onehydrogen atom of the alkyl diradical or the alkyl radical and isselected from the group consisting of hydroxy (—OH), carboxy (—COOH),—NH₂, sulfhydryl (—SH), C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkylthio(alkyl sulfide), C₁-C₄ acylamino, C₁-C₄ alkylamino, di-C₁-C₄ alkylamino,halogen atom (Br or Cl), and combinations thereof.

The term “(meth)acrylate” refers to a monomer containing a radical of—O—C(═O)—CH═CH₂ or —O—C(═O)—C(CH₃)═CH₂.

The term “aryl acrylic monomer” refers to a monomer of the followingformula

wherein: A is H or CH₃; B₂ is (CH₂)_(m) or [O(CH₂)₂]_(z); m is 2-6; z is1-10; Y is a direct bond, O, S, or NR′, provided that if Y is O, S, orNR′, then B is (CH₂)_(m); R′ is H, CH₃, C_(n′)H_(2n′+1), iso-OC₃H₇,C₆H₅, or CH₂C₆H₅; n′=1-10; w is 0-6, provided that m+w≥8; and D is H,Cl, Br, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₆H₅, or CH₂C₆H₅. Examples of arylacrylic monomers include, but are not limited to: 2-ethylphenoxyacrylate; 2-ethylphenoxy methacrylate; phenyl acrylate; phenylmethacrylate; benzyl acrylate; benzyl methacrylate; 2-phenylethylacrylate; 2-phenylethyl methacrylate; 3-phenylpropyl acrylate;3-phenylpropyl methacrylate; 4-phenylbutyl acrylate; 4-phenylbutylmethacrylate; 4-methylphenyl acrylate; 4-methylphenyl methacrylate;4-methylbenzyl acrylate; 4-methylbenzyl methacrylate;2-2-methylphenylethyl acrylate; 2,2-methylphenylethyl methacrylate;2,3-methylphenylethyl acrylate; 2,3-methylphenylethyl methacrylate;2,4-methylphenylethyl acrylate; 2,4-methylphenylethyl methacrylate;2-(4-propylphenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-propylphenyl)ethyl methacrylate;2-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl)ethyl acrylate;2-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl)ethyl methacrylate; 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylacrylate; 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl methacrylate;2-(4-cyclohexylphenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-cyclohexylphenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-bromophenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(3-phenylphenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(3-phenylphenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(4-phenylphenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-phenylphenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(4-benzylphenyl)ethyl acrylate; 2-(4-benzylphenyl)ethylmethacrylate; 2-(phenylthio)ethyl acrylate; 2-(phenylthio)ethylmethacrylate; 2-benzyloxyethyl acrylate; 3-benzyloxypropyl acrylate;2-benzyloxyethyl methacrylate; 3-benzyloxypropyl methacrylate;2-[2-(benzyloxy)ethoxy]ethyl acrylate; 2-[2-(benzyloxy)ethoxy]ethylmethacrylate; or combinations thereof.

In general, the invention is directed to soft, hydrophobic acrylicmaterials having improved resistance to fluid diffusion and suitablemechanical properties that allow deformation upon application of force.A soft hydrophobic acrylic material of the invention is characterized byhaving a storage modulus of from about 0.5 MPa to about 3.0 MPa(preferably from about 0.75 MPa to about 2.5 MPa, more preferably fromabout 1.0 MPa to about 2.0 MPa) measured by dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA) under compression mode at about 35° C. and a silicone uptake ofless than about 2.0% by weight (preferably less than about 1.5% byweight, more preferably less than about 1.0% by weight or less, evenmore preferably about 0.8% by weight or less, most preferably about 0.5%by weight or less) after accelerated aging in a silicone fluid for 32days at 70° C., and is obtained from a polymerizable compositioncomprising from about 55% to about 90% by weight (preferably from about60% to about 85% by weight, more preferably from about 65% to about 80%by weight) of at least one perfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl(meth)acrylate; from about 10% to about 45% by weight (preferably fromabout 15% to about 40% by weight, more preferably from about 20% toabout 35% by weight) of at least one C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate; and atleast one cross-linking agent, provided that the polymerizablecomposition is substantially free (i.e., less than about 2% by weight,preferably less than about 1% by weight, more preferably about 0.5% byweight or less, even more preferably about 0.1% by weight or less, mostpreferably totally) of any aryl acrylic monomer.

Any suitable C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylates can be used in the invention.Examples of preferred C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylates include withoutlimitation, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl acrylate,n-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, n-pentylacrylate, n-pentyl methacrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate,n-heptyl acrylate, n-heptyl methacryate, n-octyl acrylate, n-octylmethacrylate, n-nonyl acrylate, n-nonyl methacrylate, n-decyl acrylate,n-decyl methacrylate, n-undecyl acrylate, n-undecyl methacrylate, laurylacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexylmethacrylate, 2,2-dimethylpropyl acrylate, 2,2-dimethylpropylmethacrylate, trimethylcyclohexyl acrylate, trimethylcyclohexylmethacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, isopentylacrylate, isopentyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

Any suitable perfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylates can beused in the invention. Examples of perfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl(meth)acrylates include without limitation 2,2,2-trifluoroethylmethacrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, tetrafluoropropylmethacrylate, tetrafluoropropyl acrylate, hexafluoro-iso-propylmethacrylate, hexafluoro-iso-propyl acrylate, hexafluorobutylmethacrylate, hexafluorobutyl acrylate, heptafluorobutyl methacrylate,heptafluorobutyl acrylate, octafluoropentyl methacrylate,octafluoropentyl acrylate, dodecafluoropheptyl methacrylate,heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate, heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate,pentafluorophenyl acrylate, pentafluorophenyl methacrylate, andcombinations thereof.

The cross-linking agent may be any terminally ethylenically unsaturatedcompound having more than one unsaturated groups. Suitable cross-linkingagents include, for example: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate; diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate; triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, allyl methacrylate; 1,3-propanedioldimethacrylate; 2,3-propanediol dimethacrylate; 1,6-hexanedioldimethacrylate; 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate;CH₂═C(CH₃)C(═O)O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(p)—C(═O)C(CH₃)═CH₂ where p=1-50; andCH₂═C(CH₃)C(═O)O(CH₂)_(t)O—C(═O)C(CH3)═CH2 where t=3-20; theircorresponding acrylates; and combinations thereof. A preferredcross-linking monomer is CH₂═C(CH₃)C(═O)O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(p)—C(═O)C—(CH₃)═CH₂where p is such that the number-average molecular weight is about 400,about 600, or about 1000. Other preferred cross-linking monomers areethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), diethylene glycoldimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycoldiacrylate, and 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA).

Generally, the total amount of the cross-linking component is at least0.1% by weight and, depending on the identity and concentration of theremaining components and the desired physical properties of the acrylicmaterial, can range up to about 20% by weight. The preferredconcentration range for the cross-linking component is 1-5% for smallcompounds with molecular weights typically less than 500 Daltons, and5-17% (w/w) for larger compounds (with molecular weights typicallygreater than 500 Daltons).

In addition to one or more perfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ (meth)acrylates,one or more C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylates, and one or more cross-linkingagents, the acrylic materials of the present invention may also containother ingredients, including, but not limited to, polymerizableUV-absorbers (or UV-absorbing agents), polymerizable colored dyes,additives to reduce tack, and combinations thereof.

A polymerizable ultraviolet (UV) absorbing agent can also be included inthe materials of the present invention. The polymerizable UV-absorbingagent can be any compound which absorbs UV light (i.e., light having awavelength shorter than about 380 nm) and optionallyhigh-energy-violet-light (HEVL) (i.e., light having a wavelength between380 nm and 440 nm), but does not absorb any substantial amount ofvisible light having a wavelength greater than 440 nm. The UV-absorbingcompound is incorporated into the monomer mixture and is entrapped inthe polymer matrix when the monomer mixture is polymerized. Any suitablepolymerizable UV-absorbing agents can be used in the invention. Apolymerizable UV-absorbing agent used in the invention comprises abenzophenone-moiety or preferably a benzotriazole-moiety. Polymerizablebenzophenone-containing UV-absorbing agents can be prepared according toprocedures described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,162,676 and 4,304,895 (hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety) or can be obtained fromcommercial suppliers. Polymerizable benzotriazole-containingUV-absorbing agents can be prepared according to procedures described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,299,173, 4,612,358, 4,716,234, 4,528,311, 8,153,703,and U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,326 (herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties) or can be obtained from commercial suppliers.

Examples of preferred polymerizable benzophenone-containing UV-absorbingagents include without limitation 2-hydroxy-4-acryloxy alkoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methacryloxy alkoxy benzophenone,allyl-2-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-acryloylethoxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone(UV2), 2-hydroxy-4-methacryloyloxybenzophenone (UV7), or combinationsthereof.

Examples of preferred polymerizable benzotriazole-containingUV-absorbing and UV/HEVL-absorbing agents include without limitation:2-(2-hydroxy-5-vinylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-5-acrylyloxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-3-methacrylamido methyl-5-tert octylphenyl) benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacrylamidophenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacrylamidophenyl)-5-methoxybenzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacryloxypropyl-3′-t-butyl-phenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacryloxypropylphenyl) benzotriazole,2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-(5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)benzyl methacrylate (WL-1),2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-(5-methoxy-2H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)benzylmethacrylate (WL-5), 3-(5-fluoro-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl methacrylate (WL-2),3-(2H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzylmethacrylate (WL-3), 3-(5-chloro-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl methacrylate (WL-4),2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-(5-methyl-2H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)benzylmethacrylate (WL-6),2-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-(5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)benzyl methacrylate (WL-7),4-allyl-2-(5-chloro-2H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol(WL-8),2-{2′-Hydroxy-3′-tert-5′[3″-(4″-vinylbenzyloxy)propoxy]phenyl}-5-methoxy-2H-benzotriazole,phenol,2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-ethenyl-(UVAM),2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacryloxyethylphenyl) benzotriazole (2-Propenoicacid, 2-methyl-, 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethylester, Norbloc),2-{2′-Hydroxy-3′-tert-butyl-5′-[3′-methacryloyloxypropoxy]phenyl}-5-methoxy-2H-benzotriazole(UV13),2-[2′-Hydroxy-3′-tert-butyl-5′-(3′-acryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-benzotriazole(CF₃-UV13), 2-(2′-hydroxy-5-methacrylamidophenyl)-5-methoxybenzotriazole(UV6), 2-(3-allyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole (UV9),2-(2-Hydroxy-3-methallyl-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole (UV12),2-3′-t-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(3″-dimethylvinylsilylpropoxy)-2′-hydroxy-phenyl)-5-methoxybenzotriazole(UV15),2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacryloylpropyl-3′-tert-butyl-phenyl)-5-methoxy-2H-benzotriazole(UV16),2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-acryloylpropyl-3′-tert-butyl-phenyl)-5-methoxy-2H-benzotriazole(UV16A), 2-Methylacrylic acid3-[3-tert-butyl-5-(5-chlorobenzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-propylester (16-100, CAS #96478-15-8),2-(3-(tert-butyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(5-methoxy-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)phenoxy)ethyl methacrylate (16-102); Phenol,2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl) (CAS#1260141-20-5);2-[2-Hydroxy-5-[3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl]-3-tert-butylphenyl]-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole;Phenol, 2-(5-ethenyl-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-, homopolymer (9CI)(CAS #83063-87-0).

More preferably, a polymerizable UV-absorbing agent is 2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-6-(2-methylallyl)phenol (oNTP),3-[3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-(5-methoxy-2-benz[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)phenoxy]propyl methacrylate (UV13), and2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate (Norbloc7966), or combinations thereof.

In addition to ultraviolet absorbing materials, the acrylic materials ofthe present invention may include colored dyes, such as the yellow dyesdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,932.

The device materials of the present invention may also contain additivesto reduce or eliminate tack. Examples of such additives include thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,585,900 and 7,714,039, the entire contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein.

In a more preferred embodiment, the acrylic material of the inventioncomprises heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate as theperfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate, butyl acrylate as theC₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as thecross-linking agent.

The acrylic materials of this invention are prepared by conventionalpolymerization methods. For example, a mixture of aperfluoro-substituted-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate, a C₂-C₁₂ alkyl(meth)acrylate, a cross-linking agent in the desired proportions, and afree-radical initiator, together with any other polymerizable components(such as a polymerizable UV-absorber, polymerizable yellow dye, and/oradditive to reduce tack), is prepared. The mixture can then beintroduced into a mold of desired shape, and the polymerization carriedout thermally (i.e., by heating) or photochemically (i.e., by actinicradiation, e.g., UV radiation and/or visible radiation) to activate theinitiator.

Examples of suitable thermal initiators include: but are not limited to,azonitriles, such as 2,2′-azobis (2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile),2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN);peroxides, such as benzoyl peroxide; peroxycarbonates, such asbis-(4-t-butylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate, and the like. A preferredinitiator is AIBN.

Where the polymerization is carried out photochemically, a mold shouldbe transparent to actinic radiation of a wavelength capable ofinitiating polymerization. Conventional photoinitiator compounds, e.g.,a benzophenone-type or bisacylphosphine oxide (BAPO) photoinitiator, canalso be introduced to facilitate the polymerization. Suitablephotoinitiators are benzoin methyl ether, diethoxyacetophenone, abenzoylphosphine oxide, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, Darocur andIrgacur types photoinitiators (preferably Darocur 1173®, Darocur 2959®and Irgacure 819®), and Germane-based Norrish Type I photoinitiatorswhich are capable of initiating a free-radical polymerization underirradiation with a light source including a light in the region of about400 to about 550 nm. Examples of benzoylphosphine initiators include2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylophosphine oxide;bis-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-4-N-propylphenylphosphine oxide; andbis-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-4-N-butylphenylphosphine oxide. Examples ofGermane-based Norrish Type I photoinitiators are acylgermanium compoundsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,605,190 (herein incorporated by referencein its entirety).

Regardless of the chosen initiator or curing method, the curing processshould be controlled to avoid rapid polymerization, which may yieldpolymerized materials having more tack than the same materialspolymerized more slowly.

Once the acrylic materials of the present invention have been cured,they are extracted in a suitable solvent to remove as much of theunreacted components of the materials as possible. Examples of suitablesolvents include acetone, methanol, and cyclohexane. A preferred solventfor extraction is acetone.

Fluid-based accommodating IOLs constructed of the disclosed acrylicmaterials can be of any design capable of changing optical power as thenatural crystalline lens in response to contraction of the cilliarymuscle. Examples of such accommodating IOLs include without limitationthose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,361,145, 8,254,034, 8,034,106, and6,730,123 (herein incorporated by references in their entireties).

In addition to IOLs, the acrylic materials of the present invention arealso suitable for use in other devices, including contact lenses,keratoprostheses, intracorneal lenses, corneal inlays or rings, andglaucoma filtration devices.

The previous disclosure will enable one having ordinary skill in the artto practice the invention. In order to better enable the reader tounderstand specific embodiments and the advantages thereof, reference tothe following non-limiting examples is suggested. However, the followingexamples should not be read to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The formulation components are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. Testsamples measuring 0.9 mm in thickness were photo-cured by pre-heatingthe formulation-filled molds in a nitrogen filled glove box for 10minutes at 55° C. and then irradiating with a Philips TLK 40W/03 24-inchfluorescent lamp for 60 minutes. Cured samples were continuouslyextracted in acetone for 3 days and then dried slowly at ambienttemperature for 20 hours, followed by vacuum (0.1 mm Hg) for a minimumof 20 hours at 70° C. The weight of each sample was then recorded andeach sample was placed into a 5 mL glass vial containing 5.0 g ofpoly(phenylmethylsiloxane) [Mn: ˜2600, free of low molecular weightfraction (<1000))]. Steps were taken to make sure the sample wascompletely submerged in the liquid. The vial was then sealed withPTFE-faced butyl stopper and placed into a 70° C. convection oven.Samples were removed from the oven at pre-determined time intervals,carefully wiped with Kimwipes to removal any residual silicone fluid onthe surface, and weighed.

TABLE 1 EXAMPLE IDs (% w/w) Component 32A 32B 32C 32D 45B BA 44.65 53.8244.64 54.03 47.00 TFEMA 23.47 23.59 — — — PEA 30.83 20.99 30.83 20.73 —HFIPA — — 23.48 23.66 — HFBMA — — — — 50.00 EGDMA  1.05  1.60  1.05 1.58  3.00 Irgacure  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.31 819

TABLE 2 EXAMPLE IDs (% w/w) Component 36E 36F 36G 36H 36I HFMA 65.0050.02 34.99 65.01 65.01 BA 32.00 46.49 61.01 32.99 34.00 EGDMA 3.00 3.504.00 2.00 1.00 Irgacure 819 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30

-   -   BA=n-butyl acrylate    -   TFEMA=2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate    -   PEA=2-phenylethyl acrylate    -   HFIPA=1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate    -   HFBMA=2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl methacrylate    -   EGDMA=ethylene glycol dimethacrylate    -   Irgacure 819=phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide    -   HFMA=1H, 1H,2H2H-heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate

Weight percent extractables, mechanical properties, and weight percentsilicone uptakes are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 % silicone % silicone uptake after uptake after % Storage 28days in 32 days in Sample Extractables Modulus at silicone oil siliconeID (N ≥ 8) 35° C. (MPa) at 70° C. oil at 70° C. 32A 4.1 ± 0.2 0.55 ±0.02 11.7 ± 0.3 — 32B 3.0 ± 0.1 0.71 ± 0.02 15.4 ± 0.2 — 32C 8.2 ± 0.50.32 ± 0.02 16.4 ± 0.4 — 32D 7.0 ± 0.2 0.42 ± 0.02 26.4 ± 2.6 — 45B 2.5± 0.1 1.61 ± 0.08 — 0.88 ± 0.08 36E 3.3 ± 0.1 2.07 ± 0.08 — 0.24 ± 0.0236F 4.0 ± 0.1 1.28 ± 0.03 — 2.68 ± 0.29 36G 4.1 ± 0.1 1.23 ± 0.08 —13.11 ± 0.50  36H 3.8 ± 0.1 — — 0.46 ± 0.06 36I 4.9 ± 0.3 — — 0.86 ±0.07

We claim:
 1. A soft hydrophobic acrylic material, being characterized byhaving a storage modulus of from about 0.5 MPa to about 3.0 MPa measuredby dynamic mechanical analysis under compression mode at about 35° C.and a silicone uptake of less than about 2.0% by weight afteraccelerated aging in a silicone fluid for 32 days at 70° C., wherein theacrylic material is obtained from a polymerizable compositioncomprising: a) from about 65% to about 80% by weight of at least oneperfluoro-substitued-C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate which is selected fromthe group consisting of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate,2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, tetrafluoropropyl methacrylate,tetrafluoropropyl acrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate,hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate, hexafluorobutyl methacrylate,hexafluorobutyl acrylate, heptafluorobutyl methacrylate,heptafluorobutyl acrylate, octafluoropentyl methacrylate,octafluoropentyl acrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate,heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate, heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, andcombinations thereof; b) from about 20% to about 35% by weight of atleast one C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate which is selected from the groupconsisting of ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl acrylate,n-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, n-pentylacrylate, n-pentyl methacrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate,n-heptyl acrylate, n-heptyl methacryate, n-octyl acrylate, n-octylmethacrylate, n-nonyl acrylate, n-nonyl methacrylate, n-decyl acrylate,n-decyl methacrylate, n-undecyl acrylate, n-undecyl methacrylate, laurylacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexylmethacrylate, 2,2-dimethylpropyl acrylate, 2,2-dimethylpropylmethacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, isopentylacrylate, isopentyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof; and c) at leastone cross-linking agent which is selected from the group consisting ofethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate,triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate,allyl methacrylate, 1,3-propanediol dimethacrylate, 2,3-propanedioldimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanedioldimethacrylate, their corresponding acrylates, and combinations thereof,provided that the polymerizable composition is substantially free of anyaryl acrylic monomer.
 2. The acrylic material of claim 1, wherein theacrylic material is characterized by having a storage modulus of fromabout 0.75 MPa to about 2.5 MPa measured by dynamic mechanical analysisunder compression mode at about 35° C. and a silicone uptake of lessthan about 1.5% by weight after accelerated aging in a silicone fluidfor 32 days at 70° C.
 3. The acrylic material of claim 1, wherein theacrylic material is characterized by having a storage modulus of fromabout 1.0 MPa to about 2.0 MPa measured by dynamic mechanical analysisunder compression mode at about 35° C. and a silicone uptake of lessthan about 1.0% by weight or less after accelerated aging in a siliconefluid for 32 days at 70° C.
 4. The acrylic material of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate is selected from the groupconsisting of n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, and mixturesthereof.
 5. The acrylic material of claim 4, wherein said at least onecross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of: ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate; diethylene glycol dimethacrylate; triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate; theircorresponding acrylates; and combinations thereof.
 6. The acrylicmaterial of claim 1, wherein polymerizable composition comprisesheptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and ethylene glycoldimethacrylate.
 7. The acrylic material of claim 2, wherein said atleast one C₂-C₁₂ alkyl (meth)acrylate is selected from the groupconsisting of n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, and mixturesthereof.
 8. The acrylic material of claim 7, wherein said at least onecross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of: ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate; diethylene glycol dimethacrylate; triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate; theircorresponding acrylates; and combinations thereof.
 9. The acrylicmaterial of claim 2, wherein polymerizable composition comprisesheptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and ethylene glycoldimethacrylate.